Zanthoxylum piperitum SZECHUAN PEPPER (10 seeds)

Sichuan pepper is a shrub from the Rutaceae family. It is a deciduous shrub that measures 3 to 4 meters in height and originates from Asia, specifically the Sichuan region of China. Nowadays, it is naturalized in France and grows very easily in our latitudes.

The fruits of the Japanese pepper are small, globular capsules, generally red to brown in color, which are highly fragrant and contain black seeds. They measure approximately 5 to 10 mm in diameter. It is a very aromatic Asian spice derived from the husk of the fruit. Its leaves are prickly, compound, and alternate, with a shiny, dark green appearance. They are generally pinnate, consisting of several leaflets that are oval and serrated on the edges.

The leaves release a pleasant fragrance when crushed. Their size varies, but they generally measure between 5 and 15 cm in length.

Its flowers are small and grouped in inflorescences. They are yellow-green or cream-colored and star-shaped. The flowers appear in clusters and are unisexual, with both male and female flowers on the same tree. Flowering takes place in spring, between April and June.

Sichuan pepper seeds come from Zanthoxylum piperitum; they are black, round, and very shiny. They measure 5 millimeters in diameter.

- Properties / Uses:

In the kitchen, this Asian pepper is used with meat, poultry, fish, and more. It pairs very well with foie gras or chocolate. It brings a truly unique flavor to your dishes. It produces a sensation that is simultaneously irritating, numbing, and tingling in the mouth. It brings a feeling of heat with a lemony aftertaste. It is sometimes called the "Sichuan berry," and its berries are highly prized in gourmet cuisine. Spice production is abundant starting from the 3rd year and increases year after year.

It is renowned for its numerous medicinal health benefits. It is recognized for its soothing and toning effects, as well as its aphrodisiac and antioxidant properties. As such, it is used in Chinese medicine.

Its thorns make it ideal for creating a defensive hedge; do not hesitate to plant it for this ornamental purpose.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The most favorable period to sow Sichuan pepper is during the winter. It is important to proceed with sowing from November to February to ensure a good germination rate.
• Stratify the seeds either naturally outdoors during the winter or artificially in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months.
• Bury them at a depth of 1 cm in 10 x 10 cm pots, then pack the soil firmly.
• Water the culture gently by spraying.
• Place the pots in a cold greenhouse for 1 to 3 months.
• Germination will generally begin 2 to 3 weeks after the cold stratification is complete. The germination rate is excellent if the sowing method is strictly followed.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

It grows very well in an aerated substrate rich in organic matter. Remember to provide compost once a year in the spring and ensure the bottom of the pot is well-drained with clay pebbles or medium-sized gravel.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

Opt for a sunny but not scorching exposure, or even a semi-shaded spot, to benefit from an abundant production of husks starting in October.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It grows very well when temperatures range from 15 to 25°C. Its hardiness is high, as it resists significantly negative temperatures down to -25°C without any problem. It does not need protection, even during the first few years.

- Watering / Irrigation:

During the first year after planting and throughout the summer, irrigate the base regularly every week. Once the root system is well-established, it no longer requires regular watering.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

There are two ways to reproduce it: either by sowing or by stem cuttings in the middle of the year.

- Pests / Diseases:

This variety is very resistant to pests and diseases.

- Maintenance:

Pruning is not mandatory. It takes place in winter to remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Note that the fruits appear on the previous year's wood; do not prune too severely.